Christmas Tree Permits Will Be Available Nov 25

Our favorite Tahoe holiday tradition is back, and it’s about more than cutting trees. Starting November 25^th, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be granting tree-cutting permits to the general public. This program allows for a great family experience, while taking the smaller trees that cause excess vegetation and increase fire danger.

Here are a few specifics to know before applying for a permit this year.

Where to purchase a permit?
Christmas tree permits will be sold at two locations this year:

Forest Supervisor’s Office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
- Open: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145.
- Open: Seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding Christmas Day.

How much do permits cost?

Each permit will cost $10, payable by cash, check, or credit card.

How many permits are given out?

This year the USDA will be limiting permits to one per family.

Permit Specifics

Available: starting Monday November 25 and can be purchased up until December 31 to allow time for military families that have to celebrate the holidays late.
Tree Types: Pine, Cedar, or Fir
Tree Size: The tree must be no larger than 6 inches in diameter at the base and no more than 10 feet from another tree (tape measure is provided with the permit).
Where to cut: Maps will be provided when given the permit.
How to cut: Must remove tree from the base, leaving no more than 6 inches of stump.
Before you leave: Tag the tree before exiting the area.

Every Kid Outdoors Program

Through the “Every Kid Outdoors Program,” fourth-grade students can obtain a free Christmas tree permit by bringing a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass.
The permits for Every Kid Outdoors Program are only available at the South Lake Tahoe location.
For more information about this program, visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm.

Important

It is important to understand that travel is weather dependent in Tahoe.
Before heading out to your tree-cutting destination, notify people where you are going and always check the weather report; never cut trees in conditions that are wet and windy.

For more information, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ChristmasTreePermits